Starting preschool can be tough for kids–especially those who haven’t spent much time away from Mom and Dad. Even the most well adjusted toddler can have feelings of fear, sadness and even anger about this major educational milestone. And while it may take some time to adjust to their new environment, there are things you can do to make the transition a little easier for your tiny scholars.
Alleviate Drop-Off Drama
Watching your little one cry at drop-off can be downright heartbreaking, but hanging around can actually make things worse. Believe it or not, leaving as quickly as possible is best for both of you. Trust that the teacher(s) will do their best to make your child feel safe and comfortable, and will contact you if any real problems arise.
Try talking to your child on the way to school about the day’s schedule. Remind him that you (or another loved one) will be back to pick him up at the end of the day. Once he gets used to seeing things work as you promised, he will feel more comfortable with being left at school.
Foster New Friendships
Making new friends can be intimidating at any age. If your child is going to school with kids he has never met, try helping him alleviate some of those social jitters. If possible, set up play dates with your child’s classmates outside of school. It can help put him at ease, if he believes he is going to be with friends.
Try A Little Retail Therapy
Most of us will agree that a new bag can make almost any situation better. Let your little one pick out a special backpack or pair of shoes especially for school. They’ll be super-excited to show off their favorite character or animal to all of their new friends.
Talk With the Teacher
If your child is anything like mine, they’ll be pretty tight-lipped on the details of their school day. One of best ways to stay informed about your child’s progress is to keep the lines of communication with their teacher(s) open. Be sure to take advantage of parent-teacher conferences and any other opportunities to get personal updates on your child’s development.
Give It Time
Most importantly, remember that change is difficult for all of us, particularly preschoolers who are still learning the best ways to deal with their emotions. Do your best to manage your own expectations and allow your child to come around in his own time. Before you know it, he’ll be eager to go to school each day–at least until he’s a teenager!
